The Rock Church

Open Our Eyes

Have you ever walked into church and been so distracted that you wondered why you even showed up? Or, maybe, you knew why you came, but by the time the worship music began you had lost focus? I sure have. The song Open Our Eyes (from the Your Love Remains album) was written as a prayer. It’s asking the Lord to “open our eyes to see Jesus” and combat these kinds of distractions.

While I’m at church, I wear a lot of different hats. Between being a pastor, a parent, a music director, and a friend, I can get distracted. By the time I open my mouth to sing, I can be more focused on what’s happening around me than what God wants to have happen within me. I can be caught off guard by a comment I wasn’t prepared for, distracted by music equipment, or preoccupied with my children. All the while, the songs are blowing right past me.

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S.O.A.P. Devotional

Lately, I have had a real boost in my quiet times and it’s because I have been using SOAP! No, not the soap you use to wash with. Rather, a devotional plan. Let me explain.

S. – Scripture
O. – Observation
A. – Application
P. – Prayer

I am not sure who thought up this acronym originally, but I am certain I have heard Bill Young use it before (thanks, Bill).

Here are a few examples out of my journal — showing you how this has worked in my quiet times this past week.

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Singing Loudly

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” — Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV)

This weekend, I had the privilege of helping lead three, separate worship services at The Rock Church. I was reminded this morning, while reading my Bible, that singing and entering into God’s presence with music is a command from the Lord.

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Give Thanks

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me…” — Psalm 50:23 (NIV84)

I really love serving God. I mean it, my heart (through and through) longs to do more for Him. I love serving God’s people; I love playing music for Him, and I love knowing Him more and more. Each day I seek to bring honor to God by serving Him.

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Blessed in Worship

“Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” — Psalm 96:1-3

These past two weeks have been incredibly encouraging in regard to worship music, praise, and how those things bring us together!

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Sing for He is Worthy

“Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!” — Psalm 96:1-4

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Press On

“Oh, that we might know the Lord! 
Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn 
or the coming of rains in early spring.” — Hosea 6:3

There are so many things we can devote our time to — so many things we can give our lives for. Many people around us have decided to give their full allegiance to work, or money, or family, or success. Many more have bought into the foolish idea — “You only live once so, live it up!”

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Delight in the Lord

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” — Psalm 37:4

This past week, God reminded me how true this verse really is. As many of you already know, but I was privileged to release a full-length worship album with The Rock Music on a global level. I was also so thankful to be able to perform at our CD release party last Friday night. Thanks to all of you who have helped make this successful so far!

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Blessed

“Blessed be the name of The Lord now and forever.” Psalm 113:12

I recently read this verse in my quiet time and one word stuck out to me more than the others; the word was “now”.

It is easy to “Bless the name of the Lord” when things are going well. But, the word “now” implies the moment we’re in. Whatever this moment holds in your life, whatever situation “now” finds you in, you need to bless the name of the Lord. (more…)

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God Goes Before You

I decided to keep my thoughts short and sweet. I simply wanted to share with you the truth that God has been encouraging me with these past few months. You can find it in one of my favorite Bible passages — Psalm 139. Much of the Psalm is dedicated to the fact that we cannot escape from God’s presence. In fact, verse seven says just that: “I can NEVER escape from Your Spirit! I can NEVER get away from your presence!”

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